Discovering Lake Maggiore and its Borromean Islands | ITALY Magazine Discovering Lake Maggiore and its Borromean Islands Nicola Ferlei-Brown | Wednesday, May 21, 2014 - 11:28 Whether you like the beach or prefer the lake, Italy boasts the best of both worlds, but if you are in 'team lake' and think that the beach is a bore, it’s time for the Lake Maggiore tour. Maggiore, meaning the ‘greatest, or superior’, is Italy’s second largest lake and the best thing about it is that there are many islands to choose from, making this a worthwhile weekend adventure. What makes it the greatest, and where is it? They don’t call it ‘maggiore’ for nothing. This beautiful lake extends for miles, 43 to be exact (70 kilometres) and 3 to 5 miles (3 to 5 kilometres) wide, except at the bay opening westward between Pallanza and Stresa, where it is 6 miles (10 km) wide.

Lake Maggiore is situated in Northern Italy, north of Milan, between Lombardy and the Alps, and is fed by the Rivers Ticino and Tresa. It is the longest Italian Lake, stretching between the two regions of Lombardy and Piedmont, and the second largest, extending into Switzerland. With breathtaking views, hills in the south, mountains in the north, this is one of Italy’s best tourist treasures. Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands These are four beautiful islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, Isola Superiore dei Pescatori and Isola San Giovanni. Isola Bella (Beautiful Island) Situated 400 metres from the lakeside town of Stresa , Isola Bella is 320 metres long by 400 metres wide and is entirely occupied by the Palace and its Italian garden. Until 1632 the island was not much more than a tiny fishing village, but that year Charles the 3rd of the wealthy Borromeo family began the construction of a palace dedicated to his wife, Isabella D'Adda, from whom the island takes its name. Today it is a popular tourist attraction and plays host to the annual Stresa music festival in July.

Isola Madre (Mother island) Mini paradise would be a modest description for the mother of the Borromean islands, which is 220 m wide and 330 m long, and the largest island of the Isole Borromee. This once upon a time medieval defense is now a botanical garden housing azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, and ancient wisteria. Although the gardens are less formal than Isola Bella, it does display Europe’s largest example of a Kashmir Cyress. Peacocks and a rare species of birds make this a must see on your Maggiore itinerary. Isola Superiore dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island) Fisherman’s Island gets its name from the occupation of its inhabitants, that's right, fishermen. This island, with its windy medieval streets and view of the lake, offers a charm, difficult to forget. The beautiful countryside surrounding Lake Maggiore offers incredible views, including the provinces of Novara and Varese and the Canton Ticino, with its natural beauty.

Isola San Giovanni The island of San Giovanni has none of the opulence or fame of the other Borromean Islands, but it still intrigues passers by, strolling along Pallanza lakefront, where you have a brilliant view, as only a few dozen metres from the shore. Many eminent figures have resided on the island, one of which being the great conductor Arturo Toscanini, who lived in this “place of peace and hospitality” from 1927 to 1952. The island is first mentioned as “Isola di Santo’Angelo” in a document drawn up by the Emperor Otto III in 999 AD; at this time a castle and a church dedicated to St Michael the Archangel stood here, hence the name. When the church was demolished the name of the island changed to “San Giovanni”, from the oratory where a baptismal font dedicated to St John the Baptist still exists. In the middle of the twelfth century the island belonged to the Barbavara family. The island can be admired from the lake, by boat. When to go The climate is mild in both summer and winter, producing Mediterranean vegetation, with beautiful gardens growing rare and exotic plants.

Museums and other places to see near Lake Maggiore The Umbrella and Parasol Museum - Museo dell’Ombrello e del Parasole Made in Italy at its best, the museum tells of the 170-180 umbrella making "dynasties" from 52 towns and villages around Gignese and how members of those families, the so-called "pioneers", took the business further afield in Italy, then to Europe and even to South America. Mini hand made parasols from the 1850s to more modern umbrellas from WWII, with ivory handles, printed silk covers and intricate lace decoration. There is also an explanation of "Tarusc" which was the umbrella makers own dialect which allowed them to talk among themselves. In Gignese , near Stresa, Open April – September, closed Mondays. Museo della Bombola - The Museum of Dolls The Museum of Dolls is a twelve room museum displaying the Borromeo family’s rare collection of dolls and what better place for them than this towering, fairy-tale castle that the Borromeo family bought from Milan’s Visconti family in 1449.

The doll collection itself consists of many dolls, some mechanical, from Italy and Germany. Various rooms and halls open on to the courtyard, among them the awe-inspiring Sala della Giustizia (Hall of Justice), with its overarching vault and lively 13th-century frescoes. From the tower you have breathtaking views. A combined ticket including Isola Bella and Isola Madre is one way to see this museum, but the easiest way up is by car (signposted from the centre of Angera). Open March to October 9.00 - 17.30 Luino Mayhem on a market day, Luino massive bazaar will provide that bit of buzz you might be looking for on your travels around Lake Maggiore. The weekly market dates all the way back to 1535. Today more than 350 stands are set up in the old town centre, and bargain-hunters come from as far away as the Netherlands to buy everything from local delicacies to vintage clothes. Much too busy to drive to the market, it's better to arrive via the ferry services from the other side of the lake, or by public transport (trains and buses travelling around the lake are another option).

Villa Taranto Pallanza’s highlight is the grounds of the late-19th-century Villa Taranto . In 1931 royal archer and Scottish captain Neil McEacharn bought the Normandy-style villa from the Savoy family after spotting an ad in the Times. He planted some 20,000 species over 30 years, and today it is considered one of Europe’s finest botanic gardens. The main entrance path is a grand affair, bordered by a strip of lawn and a cornucopia of colourful flowers. Depending on when you visit, the experience will differ. The winding dahlia path, for instance, shows off blooms from more than 300 species from June to October. In April and May, the dogwood and related flowers run riot. In the hothouses you can admire extraordinary, equatorial water lilies. The villa itself is not open to the public as it houses the offices of the local prefecture. Boats stop at the landing stage in front of the villa. Transport Buses leave from the waterfront at Stresa for destinations around the lake and elsewhere, including Milan, Novara and Lago d’Orta.

The daily Verbania Intra–Milan bus service operated by SAF ( in Italian) links Stresa with Arona (20 minutes), Verbania Pallanza (20 minutes) and Verbania Intra (25 minutes), and Milan (1½hours). Stresa is on the Domodossola–Milan train line and is well served by hourly trains from both Milan (one hour) and Domodossola (30 minutes). Ferries and hydrofoils around the lake are operated by Navigazione Lago Maggiore ( in Italian), which has its main ticket office in Arona. Boats connect Stresa with Arona (40 minutes), Angera (35 minutes), Baveno (20 minutes) and Verbania Pallanza (35 minutes). Various one-day passes are also available: departing from Stresa, covering Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Bella and Isola Madre. There are one-day passes including admission to the various villas, too.

Topic: Stresa - Day Trips From DAY TRIPS FROM / Sightseeing tours of Milan / Sightseeing Tours of Milan Lake Maggiore / Stresa Stresa Stresa is a lovely village located on the shores of the enchanting Lake Maggiore. Thanks to the breathtaking views over the lake, in particular over the unique Borromean Islands, and the elegant Villas built by the Italian aristocracy over the centuries, for the last 200 years tourism had been the main source of income. The town was probably founded around AD 998; it was just a small fisherman village for centuries. The name Stresa literally means strip of land. When the town passed under the dominion of the Borromeo Family everything changed. The poor village became a gorgeous town where the European aristocracy loved to retreat during the summer’s months. At the beginning of the 17th centuries many stunning Villas were built. When the Simplon Pass opened in 1806 the tourism doubled; a century later it was built also a rail tunnel. Many luxury hotels were erected in order to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Tourists started to enjoy also the ski runs, bob sleighs and the first Italian ski jumps!

Read More Stresa Stresa is a lovely village located on the shores of the enchanting Lake Maggiore. Thanks to the breathtaking views over the lake, in particular over the unique Borromean Islands, and the elegant Villas built by the Italian aristocracy over the centuries, for the last 200 years tourism had been the main source of income. The town was probably founded around AD 998; it was just a small fisherman village for centuries. The name Stresa literally means strip of land. When the town passed under the dominion of the Borromeo Family everything changed. The poor village became a gorgeous town where the European aristocracy loved to retreat during the summer’s months. At the beginning of the 17th centuries many stunning Villas were built. When the Simplon Pass opened in 1806 the tourism doubled; a century later it was built also a rail tunnel. Many luxury hotels were erected in order to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Tourists started to enjoy also the ski runs, bob sleighs and the first Italian ski jumps! Stresa | Article about Stresa by The Free Dictionary Stresa | Article about Stresa by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Wikipedia .

Stresa (strā`zä), town (1991 pop. 4,684), Piedmont, N Italy, on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. Its lovely gardens and villas and the scenic Borromean Islands nearby have made it one of the most popular resorts in the Italian lake country. In 1932 a conference of 15 European nations on economic collaboration was held at Stresa. At another conference held (1935) in Stresa, Great Britain, France, and Italy made (but never implemented) a decision to maintain a common posture toward Germany, which had begun to rearm in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us , add a link to this page, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content . Link to this page: Stresa Conference of 1935 References in classic literature ? In the following winter, after wandering somewhat erratically through Stresa, Genoa, and Spezia, he landed in Nice, where the climate so happily promoted his creative powers that he wrote the third part of "Zarathustra".

Lake Garda; ESCORTED HOLIDAYS Price includes: Return flights to Italy, seven nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at the three-star Hotel Boston in Stresa (upgrade hotels available for a supplement), a visit to the Borromean Islands, a full day tour to Zermatt and the Matterhorn, airport to hotel transfers, one suitcase allowance per person and the services of a Tour Manager. Corsica& the South of France Stresa takes it in her stride Several fillies in the mile maiden gave trouble at the start and the race was six minutes late off, but that did not faze 7-4 favourite Stresa, who was a smooth winner for John Gosden. Stresa and Lake Maggiore Stresa and Lake Maggiore Stresa... The famous town of Stresa enjoys a splendid location on Lake Maggiore in the Gulf of Borromeo, where it overlooks the eponymous islands, the main attraction in the region. Its beautiful countryside, architectural gems and mild climate combine to make Stresa one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. Luxury villas and opulent Art Nouveau hotels line the elegant lakeside, which is ideal for a tranquil stroll.

Since the late 19th century Stresa has been renowned for its sophisticated atmosphere and genteel visitors, and today still enjoys an impressive roster of cultural, musical and meeting events. Situated on the western side of Lake Maggiore, directly opposite Stresa, the three Borromean Islands lie in a wide gulf surrounded by mountains. The Borromean Islands, with their stunning palaces and ornamental gardens, are an unmissable destination for aesthetes. The islands take their name from the aristocratic Borromean family, who took ownership of the land in the 16th and 17th centuries. Only the best architects and gardeners were called on by the famous members of the family - themselves art lovers and botanists - to breathe life into their ambitious projects. On the Isola Bella and Isola Madre there are sumptuous palaces and rare plant gardens where peacocks, parrots and pheasants roam wild against an exotic backdrop reminiscent of faraway lands. In contrast, the Isola dei Pescatori is famous for the charming simplicity of its old fishing village, which is considered one of the most picturesque spots on Lake Maggiore.

Walks along the shore of Stresa offer the perfect opportunity to admire the Borromean Islands. The view is equally superb from the summit of Mount Mottarone (1491m), which dominates Stresa and offers a unique panoramic outlook. Mottarone is also known as the 'Mountain of the Two Lakes' thanks to its strategic position between Lake Maggiore and the equally beautiful Lake Orta. The cable car to the top of Mottarone also stops off at Alpino, where the Alpinia botanical gardens offer a terrace with sweeping views of Lake Maggiore. Stresa and Lake Maggiore, Italy - Surroundings Official Tourism Gateway Lago Maggiore SURROUNDINGS The appeal of Lake Maggiore is not confined to Stresa; in fact, the town is the perfect starting point for unforgettable boat trips on the lake or drives along its shores. Close by to the north is the tranquil tourist town of Pallanza. Its main attraction, Villa Taranto, is world-famous for its magnificent gardens of rare flowers and plants. Further up the shores of the lake lies the village of Cannero Riviera, which enjoys a sheltered location and consequently a particularly mild climate in which lemons can be grown.

There is a series of evocative fortifications on the three Castelli di Cannero islets, which form a small archipelago opposite the village. From here it is also only a short distance to Cannobio — the last Italian town before the Swiss border. This beautiful and ancient little town, nestled between the mountains and the lake, today has one of the most beautiful lidos on the lake. To the south lies the tourist and commercial hub of Arona. The copper statue dedicated to the town's patron saint, Charles Borromeo, is among the tallest in Europe at 35 m. Opposite Arona, on a rocky outcrop on the eastern shore of Lake Maggiore, sits the Rocca d'Angera, a fully preserved medieval fortress that houses the original Doll and Toy Museum. St Catherine's Hermitage clings precariously to sheer cliffs on the opposite shore to Stresa, above one of the deepest areas of Lake Maggiore. This is a monastic retreat with three buildings dating from the 13th-14th centuries that was founded by the Blessed Alberto Besozzi di Arolo.

He prayed to Saint Catherine of Alexandria for rescue during a storm before living here as a hermit for 35 years. Longer stays in Stresa offer the opportunity for day trips to Milan, Lake Orta or nearby Switzerland. Shopping enthusiasts can also find typical open-air markets in many of the towns dotted around the lake. CONTACT US | Giorgio Meriggi, Tony D’Arcangelo, and Pasquale Cervera opened Stresa Restaurant over 20 years ago in Manhasset, New York. The three came from long and distinguished careers in the restaurant industry, including working amongst the masters of Italy, France, Switzerland, and Belgium as well as famous Manhattan restaurants Le Cirque and Quo Vadis. The three have also enjoyed success together as restaurateurs: past ventures over the years include Navona in Great Neck, Il Tulipano in Huntington , Gubbio in TriBeCa, and Stresa East in Woodbury. Though Cercera retired a few years ago, Meriggi and D’Arcangelo continue to provide Stresa customers with fine Italian cuisine and impeccable service. Stresa takes its name from a beautiful, historic town on the shores of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy.

Originally a fishing settlement, Stresa is now a popular tourist destination renowned for its spectacular landscape and elegant architecture. The town has hosted such cultural icons as Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway in their heyday. © 2015 Stresa Restaurant, All Rights Reserved Italian Lake District travel guide - Wikitravel 14 Sleep The Italian Lake District stretches across Northern Italy . The southern ends of most of the lakes are relatively flat (a continuation of the River Po Plain), but the northern ends are mountainous as the lakes reach deep into the Alps . Popular with Northern Europeans and Italians alike for over 100 years, the Italian Lakes combine good weather with attractive scenery. The climate is mild in both summer and winter, producing Mediterranean vegetation, with beautiful gardens growing rare and exotic plants. Well-known gardens include those of the Isola Madre, Isola Bella and the Isole di Brissago, that of the Villa Taranto in Pallanza near Verbania, and the Alpinia botanical garden above Stresa. Lake Maggiore is the longest lake of the Italian Lakes measuring 65 km. long and has a surface area of 215 sq. km. It is about 2.5 km.

in width on average, although twice as wide near Luino. The Borromean Bay between Stresa and Verbania, is blessed with three islands known as the Borromean Islands. These islands are not to be missed on a visit to Lake Maggiore. Isola Bella is known for its baroque palace and gardens, Isola Pescatori for its fishing character with its typical lake boats and the scenic Isola Madre is known for its gardens. The lake’s jagged banks are surrounded by the Prealps of Piedmont and Lombardy. The western bank is in Piedmont (provinces of Novara and Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola) and the eastern in Lombardy (province of Varese), whereas the most northerly section extends thirteen kilometres into Switzerland, where it constitutes the lowest point above sea-level in that entire country. Get in[ edit ] Ferry service is available out to the islands from Stresa, Lake Maggiore's resort town, every day during the summer. After picking passengers up at the dock, the ferries first make stops at Isolas Bella and Pescatori, the two closest islands.

Here visitors are free to roam for 1-2 hours depending on the boat's schedule. After visiting these two islands, passengers are then taken to the third island, Isola Madre, which is located more towards the center of the Lake. Visitors are given a couple of additional hours to see this island. By car[ edit ] From the North, you'll go through Switzerland, on the A2 to Locarno, then take the A13 towards the West side of Lake Maggiore or stay on A2 to Lugano and Como. Be warned. In winter the Simplon pass is closed and you will have to make a big detour and get to Italy via the St Gotthard tunnel. From the South: For Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese, from Milan, take the A8 Autostrada dei Laghi. Stay on A8 for Varese, go on A26 direction Gravellona for Lake Maggiore. For Lake Como and Lake Lugano, from Milan, take the A8 Autostrada dei Laghi, then the A9 towards Como, or go on the SS36 near Monza for Lecco.

By plane[ edit ] Fly to Milan, it has three airports. Milan Malpensa, South of Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese. Milan Linate, next to the center of Milan. Milan Bergamo, in Bergamo. By train[ edit ] For Lake Maggiore, from the South, get into Milan and then to Verbania. From the North, go to Bellinzona in Switzerland. Buses are available from those destinations. Get around[ edit ] The most interesting way to get around each of the lakes is by boat or hydrofoil. [1] Varenna, Bellagio, Cadenabio, and Menaggio are the only towns car ferries travel to. [2] On Lake Maggiore you can pick a ferry in Carciano, Baveno or Stresa which will take you to the Borromean islands. Alternatively, you can hire a private water taxi, which costs a bit more but which will probably be quicker and more convenient, especially if you have luggage. Don't forget to get the 'phone number of the company, then you can ring them to come and pick you up. They also issue return tickets which you can use anytime.

Most of the drivers (captains?) speak some English. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Alchimissa Food spirits and wine (wine shop), Via Mazini, 10 (Stresa), ☎ 0323 31109, [5] . Wine shop edit Nolo Bimbi Baby Equipment Rental (Lake Maggiore Equipment Baby Rental), Arona (Arona), ☎ 0039 366 500 17 34, [6] . Nolo Bimbi Baby Equipment Rental edit Winter[ edit ] Skiing - Lake Maggiore is known for it's wonderful skiing facility on the Swiss Alps, People come from all over the world to ski here. In 2006, the Torino Winter Olympics were held here. Summer[ edit ] Many types of activities are offered on the waters of Lake Maggiore - Swimming - Swim on Lake Maggiore with the beautiful scenery surrounding you as you paddle. Enjoy the luscious mountains and beautiful Sailing Horseback Riding Cycling Take the cablecar from Carciano up to Mottarone.

In winter this is where the skiers come, but in summer you get a great view across Lake Maggiore in one direction and towards the Alps in the other. You could hire a bike to take up with you and then cycle down. Festivals[ edit ] Locarno International Film Festival - The festival showcases the newest films from Europe's best directors and attracts star-studded audiences from as far away as Hollywood and New York. In addition to full-length films, the festival also shows short films and documentaries. San Vito Feast Day in August The Spirit of Woodstock Festival is an annual open air festival at the end of July/beginning of August at Mirapuri. For tips about what to see and do in and around Stresa this website is excellent. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Hotel Ristorante Fiorentino, Bolongaro 9-11, ☎ 0323-30-254, [7] . Mar-Oct daily 11am-3pm and 6-10pm. Italian Cuisine; Primi 6€-8€ ($7.80-$10); secondi 7€-13€ ($9.10-$17).

edit Taverna del Pappagallo, Principessa Margherita 46, ☎ 0323-30-411, [8] . Italian Cuisine/ Pizzeria Primi and pizza 4€-11€ ($5.20-$14); secondi 8€-12€ ($10-$16). edit Verbano, Isola Superiore dei Pescatori, Around Town, ☎ 0323-32-534, [9] . Daily noon-2:30pm and 7-10pm. italian Cuisine Primi 5€-10€ ($6.50-$13); secondi 10€-21€ ($13-$27). edit Osteria degli Amici, A. M. Bolongaro 33, ☎ 0323-30-453, [10] . Thurs-Tues noon-2:30pm and 7pm-midnight.

Italian Cuisine/ Pizzeria Primi 5€-8€ ($6.50-$10); secondi 8.50€-14€ ($11-$18); pizza 4€-10€ ($5.20-$13). edit Il Castello, Laveno-Mombello (Via Zara, Laveno-Mombello 21014, Italy), [11] . Italian Cuisine $22-37. edit Cantinho Brasileiro, Ispra (Via Milite Ignoto 17/a, Ispra 21027, Italy), [12] . Brazillian Cuisine $47-79. edit Just a few tips if you visit Isola dei Pescatori. The island is tiny (350m x 100m) but there are lots of cafés and restaurants. Plan to eat at lunchtime because the last boats leave before 18.00 and after that many places close for the night (you can still ring for a water taxi to come and pick you up though).

If you want a really cheap meal there are two small grocers shops where you can buy bread, ham, cheese and fruit but don't expect a lot of choice. If you do want a nice meal there are several good restaurants, including those in the two hotels at either end of the island. Expect lots of fish on the menu! Italian Lakes District - Review of Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore, Italy - TripAdvisor Review of Isola Bella Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry Tour from Stresa See more tours on Viator More attraction details Attraction details Owner description: One of three magical islands on Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella charms visitors with its magnificent Baroque palace and terraced gardens that slope to the lake. There are newer reviews for this attraction “Italian Lakes District” Reviewed January 24, 2013 I have returned from a fantastic tour of Italy. I chose the months of Sept/October after much reviewing. I had a ball the weather was perfect the company fantastic and the Italian scenery just what I had hoped. I spent 4 nights by Lake Maggiore in the magnificent Italian Lakes District and visited Villa Carlotta. and the town of Bellagio on the shores of Lake Como.

I enjoyed a cruise on Lake Maggiore to the Borromean Islands. I stayed at La Palma Hotel in Stresa. Set in its own private gardens and within an easy walk to the old town of Stresa.This hotel is the perfect place to spend a short time or use it as a base to visit all the fantastic tourist sights around the area.There is a fabulous bar and viewing area on top of the hotel with views" to die for" I loved the islands of Lake Maggiore - Isola Bella, with the palatial Borromeo villa and gardens. The fishermans island(Isola Pescatori) with its quaint cafes and restaurants set amongst old houses, tiny boats and fishing nets - great place for lunch. From here a visit to Lake Garda is a must. It is the largest of the Italian lakes and the meeting point of three Italian regions. Lots of lemon and olive groves to see. This area of Italy is a "must visit" as there is so much to do and experience.

Visited September 2012 “only the peacocks disturbed the peace...” Reviewed November 14, 2012 very surprised to read some of the more peevish reviews as I insisted on two visits ,such was my enchantment with this place that I went twice during our stay at the Bristol Hotel. Legend has it that they ,the Borromeo's built this place to escape from the noise of screaming prisoners in their mainland Castle.More likely the smell of steaming prisoners provided the inspiration to up sticks ! The Gardens and house are like a lakeside creation that has simply floated out onto the lake on a whim. The magic is that by so doing the lake and the Mountains become part of the whole creation. Here nature is constrained and commanded in man made grotto's and with classical and mythological statuary. Inside the house another treat ~ a splendid collection of eighteenth century puppets some of which I wouldn't like to share a room with at night ! If you find nothing to enchant you here go to Disneyland and stop spoiling the view for the rest of us ! and another thing stop wearing baseball hats and stupid t shirts hasnt it occured to you you might be spoiling a smart person photo ?

Visited July 2012 Reviewed November 9, 2012 Isola Bella,Lake Maggiore We visited in September 2012 a few days after a storm had done some damage. The visit was fairly flat. The gardens were unimpressive and the house itself was furnished with little taste. A lot of clunky furniture, seemingly assembled from a jumble sale. The art inside is interesting, but ranges from good to amateur and the whole collection looked as if it isn’t well looked after. Many of the paintings need work or at least a clean. The place is certainly a tourist haven. We found the food outlets to be OK. But the main attraction, the Villa itself , was a letdown. Gardens were ok-but for example relied on rows of pot plants that were clearly moved in and out to fill up space. We did encounter much better gardens on the Lake Como. In fairness,we didn’t have time to visit Isola Madre which looked from the ferry to be more interesting. The entrance fee isn’t expensive-so maybe the value is OK. The sculptures around the gardens were OK but nothing special.

Overall, the literature over rates this place based on our experience, which will be remembered as underwhelming. Visited September 2012 Stresa - LAKE MAGGIORE holiday Home Lago Maggiore STRESA once called "Strix", the name derived from Lombard language, which means "Land Strip" and now is considered "The pearl of the lake," is surely one of the most elegant and refined city of Lake Maggiore . As a pioneer, Stresa began to open up to tourism thanks to the construction of the Simplon tunnel, built by Napoleon to connect the city of Milan with the areas beyond the Alps, the construction of railways and steamboats that facilitated communication with Switzerland. At the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries Stresa was frequented by aristocratic families who spent the holidays and long periods for rest, enchanted by the natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. When you look at Stresa from the lake, affect surely the stately manors surrounded by magnificent gardens.

The mix of styles, from neo-classical to baroque to art nouveau fascinated by the grandeur and wealth that surrounds them, vivid memories of the Belle Époque period, when Stresa was busy during holiday by the nobility and stars of international finance. There were many artists and writers who praised the beauty of Stresa and this part of lake Maggiore. Among Dostoevsky, Thomas Mann, Hemingway, D'Annunzio, we remember Stendhal who captivated by the beauty of the landscape, the great peace and worldliness wrote "La certosa di Parma" (The Charterhouse of Parma). “If you have a heart and a shirt, sell your shirt and go to see the shores of Lake Maggiore” wrote Stendhal. From the geographical point of view, Stresa belongs to the province of Verbano Cusio Ossola and is divided into four parts. The coastline, with the historic heart of Stresa and the fraction of Carciano. The islands with Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori.

The hills in a series of fractions including Levo, Binda, Campino, Passera, and Vedasco Brisino and The mountain, known for the famous ski resort of Mottarone, for the many pastures and the Alpine Botanical Garden, which is accessed via a cable car. Stresa is famous for its beautiful promenade leading to the Lido and its many gardens that in spring are filled with azaleas and rhododendrons. Preferred destination for many tourists is the Park of Villa Pallavicini, an English garden with a stunning view of the lake, famous for the extraordinary variety of plants and animals in the wild. The pride of the town of Stresa is definitely Villa Ducale built around 1770 by the family Bolongaro. From 1850 to 1855 became the home of the philosopher Antonio Rosmini, one of the greatest italian minds of the 800, where were hosted the major personalities of the Italian Risorgimento. Since 1966, the Villa is home to the International Study Centre Rosminians and boasts a large library of rare editions and a collection of relics of the life and works of the philosopher.

From Stresa, in a few minutes by boat, you can reach the Borromean Islands . For the sweet tooth, are definitely not to miss “Le Margheritine”, the typical sweets of Stresa, invented in 1857 by pastry chef Piero Antonio Bolongaro as a tribute to Princess Margherita of Savoy, future first queen of Italy, while he was on holiday in the Villa Ducale in Stresa. For lovers of classical music are held every year between late August and mid- September the Musical Weeks of Stresa and Lake Maggiore. Among the places affected stands the impressive Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, where every year, the prologue to the Festival, will perform the Bach Cello Suites.

Locations of the concerts are also the Auditorium "The Factory" in Villadossola, the Visconti Castle of Vogogna, the Rocca Borromeo of Angera, Villa Ponti in Arona, Villa San Remigio and the Church Madonna di Campagna in Verbania, the Old Church of Belgirate the Basilica of Orta San Giulio APARTMENTS, VILLAS & HOUSES IN STRESA ( Search ) Lake Maggiore and Lake Mergozzo | Verbania, Stresa, Borromean Islands and Mergozzo village Lake Maggiore and Lake Mergozzo Contacts Lake Maggiore and Lake Mergozzo / Lake Maggiore and Lake Mergozzo The upper Lake Maggiore area covers the northern part of the lake from Cannobio, the last town before the Swiss border, to Ghiffa, just outside Verbania. From their setting between green hillsides and blue waters, the four main places in this area, Cannobio, Cannero, Oggebbio and Ghiffa, enjoy spectacular views of the Swiss, the Lombard, and the Piedmontese shores of the Lake.

In true Italian style, each community has its own history and traditions. Ghiffa has a Hat Museum and the Sacro Monte of the Holy Trinity, a Baroque complex of chapels in a superb position above the lake. Cannero Riviera, on the road to Switzerland, boasts a marvellous view of the Malpaga castles, the so-called “Castles of Cannero”, picturesque ruins occupying two little islands near the shore. Here nature and art come together in perfect harmony. The lakeside road (State road 34) is lined with mansion houses and their gardens, while perched in the hills above, the little villages keep their age-old character and traditions.Farther towards the Swiss border, from Cannobio a road twists and turns up the Cannobina Valley, which extends for 11,000 hectares from the lake shore. The valley’s landscape is varied and full of fascination: from the bare slopes of Monte Limidario, at 2,189 metres the highest point in the valley, to the sheer cliffs and deep, green waters of the Orrido or Gorge of Sant’Anna at Traffiume not far from Cannobio.

The Borromean Gulf is the name given to the arm of Lake Maggiore extending from Verbania to Stresa. It includes the marvellous Borromean Islands as well as the hills behind Verbania. Art and nature come together in perfection to produce the beauty of the Borromean Gulf. Human interventions over the centuries have intelligently enhanced the landscape, both on the islands and on the shore. The little towns of Baveno and Stresa are given an atmosphere of luxury and elegance by the many aristocratic mansions in their territory. Romantic and sophisticated, every year these gems of the lake attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. The three Borromean Islands in the heart of the Gulf opposite Stresa are uniquely picturesque and eternally fascinating. Not far from Stresa is Verbania, the capital of the Verbano Cusio Ossola Province and a lively holiday centre. Outstanding among it 19th century mansions are Villa San Remigio, Villa Giulia and Villa Taranto, whose botanic gardens are among the best known and most visited in Europe.

The hills around Verbania are studded with a wealth of picturesque little villages with splendid views over the Borromean Gulf and the islands. The Val Grande National Park, the largest wilderness area in the Alps, borders on these hills. The last part of the Piedmont shore of Lake Maggiore goes from Belgirate to Castelletto Ticino, and possesses a variety of places of artistic and cultural interest. The little Romanesque church of Santa Maria in Belgirate is a fine example. In a dominating position above the town, it dates from the 12th century. Massino Visconti boasts the sanctuary of San Salvatore, at the end of a 4 km-long scenic road on a hillside of birch and beech woods. The lakeside road (State road 33) is lined with a succession of mansion houses set in luxuriant parkland. Examples are Villa Correnti, built towards the end of the 19th century by Cesare Correnti, a senator of what was then the Kingdom of Italy, and the 19th century Villa Faraggiana in Meina, a Neoclassical building surrounded by extensive grounds.

Towards the end of the lake is Arona, the principal seat of the Borromeo family, which for centuries exerted a strong influence on the lake area. The giant statue of Cardinal San Carlo Borromeo, a Colossus 23.40 metres high, stands above the town. You can climb up inside to see a breathtaking view of the Lombard and Piedmontese shores of the lake through the apertures in the statue’s robes and through the Saint’s eyes. The last town on the Piedmontese shore is Castelletto Ticino, where you can see the Torriani-Visconti Castle, a medieval fortress which belonged to the signoria of the Torriani and the Visconti families and which still has its massive square keep. Chosen for you

Question: What is the name of the Italian lake with the town of Stresa on it's shores?
Answer: Lake Maggiore,